Among the various little curiosities that Nintendo Switch owners were picking apart when the system launched, one of the more interesting was the automatic message from Twitter when linking the social network to Nintendo's system. That message stated a 'Safari' device was accessing the service, but as we explained all was not as it seemed. What was really happening was that Twitter was detecting a variation of a WebKit browser engine, and we suspected it would be a version of NetFront that was seen on Wii U.

Well, it is a version of NetFront, though the company behind it (or their press representatives, to be precise) have forwarded some interesting details around it. The company behind it is ACCESS, with the full toolkit being called NetFront Browser NX (which is a coincidence and not related to the original Switch codename); the message states that this browser and two similar iterations "have been deployed in over 1.5 billion devices today, making it one of the best kept consumer electronics secrets".

NetFront Browser NX is a WebKit-based browser component that features ultra-low levels of memory usage, enabled by ACCESS' unique technology that improves memory usage efficiency and ensures powerful rendering on a variety of devices and operating systems. The browser supports the latest Web technologies, including HTML5, CSS3, Gamepad API, WebP, WebSocket, HTTP Cache. In addition, using proprietary expansion spatial navigation technology, it enables smooth movement controlled by the arrow keys, maximises the usability of directional keypads on game controllers and more. NetFront Browser NX is deployed in a wide variety of devices including Nintendo game consoles, TVs, and in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI) that are shipped globally.

The NetFront™ Browser series developed and provided by ACCESS is used in models of Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL, Wii U™, Nintendo 2DS™, New Nintendo 3DS, and New Nintendo 3DS XL released since 2011. The Nintendo Switch is the seventh model to use the ACCESS NetFront Browser series.

That final line is the key, and the wording of 'cooperation function' - at present the technology is driving the system's browser-based activities, of which there are actually quite a lot. Whenever you access or link a Nintendo Account, a social media account and so on the system is essentially loading a web page to process the action. The missing piece, of course, is a browser that we can actually use as consumers, which is an admittedly odd omission for a tablet-like device.

Of course, 3DS and Wii U utilised this tech for a browser app available to end user, but with Switch Nintendo brushed off enquiries around this with some fluff about producing 'an amazing dedicated video game platform', but the classic line about a lack of support 'at launch' suggests it could be on the cards for an update. Evidently, like with some other areas of the system, second tier features were put on the backburner in the initial drive to get the Switch equipped for launch.

In any case, Nintendo continues to use a familiar partner and technology for its system's browser-based needs. Here's hoping a consumer-level browser can be added soon, as a means of resolving a complaint some have with the system at launch.

I can take or leave a browser on the Switch. Looking something up while running the new console is easy between my phone, Wii U, computer, tablet & laptop. YouTube/Netflix would be welcomed as apps, but again I can already do that on so many other devices it's of little importance to me on the Switch.

I kinda want Miiverse back more than a Web Browser. Idk why but I enjoyed Miiverse for what it was. Among all of the trolls and hacking and dumb posts there were some genuinely nice people that I came across. When it worked, it was a nice experience that I'd love to see back on Switch with maybe a more robust drawing tool.

I'm starting to think Nintendo cut corners to get the hardware out in time. And some of the corners were cut for security issues. No browser to hack. No game saves to hack. Hm..... "Region Free!!!!".... also no browser, no saves, paid online, only chat through an app on some secondary device, also.... etc. etc. etc.

This is why you don't want to be an early adopter. Then again, early adopters can put up the stink that gets it fixed before the rest of us buy it

Come on guys you should report that one of the main reasons is because they don't want to switch to be hacked via web browser like the Wii U and 3DS. Until they have a more secure web browsing environment I don't see a release of wine and honestly no one's going to browse on their switch. It's 2017 y'all know you got a smart phone stop acting like this is a reason for complaint when it's not even necessary.

@BLP_Software Also the DSi - I doubt too many ppl where that invested in it but from like 2010 til 2011 (When I got the 3DS lol) I definitely made a lot of use of that browser. Kinda nostalgic tbh - as was the 3DS browser. From like 2011-2012 I put a LOT of time into that 3DS browser it was my main method of browsing for a while.

@MaSSiVeRiCaN In some ways the security aspects appear to be excuses because while the Wii and Wii U has a custom, closed-source OS, Nintendo is now back in the same boat with Sony on FreeBSD (for stability and , ironically, security).

Probably for hackers what the color red is for Matadors once they get through the security of the kernel. It took a while with the 3DS but then again...

Nintendo shouldnt waste too much time & resources on it, they wont invent something uncrackable. Same continues to happen with Sony/Xbox (FreeBSD/Windows).

They should take a look at their other security brainchild, the NES Mini ... the Sega games look and play nice on it

@Paddle1 again only reason there is to care to browse on this rather than every other superior browsing device such as a PC or smartphone is to softmod period. There's no advantage to browsing on Switch and it's not necessary to play games. If your dependent on a switch to browse u got problems lol.

@MaSSiVeRiCaN Computer and phones are much smaller than the TV. Have you even used the Wii U browser? Great for multimedia, the big screen on the TV and the hardware controls make controlling video and browsing sites much easier than on a touchscreen. It's quite speedy and easy to access while playing without having to look for or pick up a second device. None of my other devices can provide an experience like that. Don't be so shortsighted.

@Paddle1 actually I used the browser quite a bit and I was an advocate that is was the best browser experience out of all consoles but truth is it still didn't stack up to my iPhone or iPad in anyway. Plenty of sites couldn't even load due to memory constraints and issues with Java. It was cool but not a real solution. If it was like the game pad with more memory sure it would be awesome but it has to be docked to be on my screen and i can't stand navigating with controllers. With the game pad it made sense and was intuitive but with the switch unless it's undocked it won't be as pleasant.

@MaSSiVeRiCaN Fair enough, I don't really like browsing with a regular controller either. But I used it mostly on the Gamepad anyway (except for video) which the Switch can recreate. I don't have an iPad or other tablet so aside from the lack of HD and portability (which the Switch would fix) it was the best handheld viewing experience for me. The only thing that really bothers me on other devices is video scrubbing on a touchscreen.

And any ways who doesn't have a labtop either. I would rather look it up on that. I want the browser for the switch because it is a possibility that my phone's battery might be dying and I don't have my labtop or tablet with me. That's if I'm on the go.

Yeah, yeah yeah. I know the Switch has potential and I know they will have a browser later so don't worry. im not coming for you or anything. Maybe it is your carrier that you have for your phone. I do know I want one as well. I didn't mean to sound harsh.

@speedracer216 At no point while I was wandering around Hyrule Field on the train this morning did I stop to think "Damn it, if only I had an internet browser on this thing; should have waited for one before picking it up."

To me, it doesn't really bother me that the switch doesn't have an internet browser, but I really do think that Nintendo should just develop it and give it to use as a system update for people that want it! And besides, if it's there, I'll use it sometimes.